Furniture combination useful for hiding pet products

ABSTRACT

Provided is a furniture combination providing an ornamental, work or seating surface and a selectively hidden cubby, the combination comprising: a piece of furniture comprising four legs and a solid top surface supported by the legs, an area under the top surface defining the cubby; a cover with a top and bottom surface comprising a top panel, two or more screen panels attached to the top panel adapted to screen the cubby from three sides; and a retaining mechanism operating with one of the screen panels, comprising two or more tie pairs connected to the top and bottom of the cover and adapted to retain the respective screen panels in a rolled up position, the separate pairs spaced apart to limit a tendency of the rolled up screen panel to unroll.

The present invention relates to a furniture combination of a piece offurniture such as a table and a cover adapted to allow easy anddecorative access to a cubby under the furniture piece.

Particularly in cities with a high cost of real estate it can beimportant to have all rooms in home or apartment available forentertaining. Often pet products and other objects, for example animalcrates or litter boxes, do not complement the decor of the home. Thus,it can be useful to hide the object, and to hide the object in adecorative manner that nonetheless allows ready opening for convenientaccess to the pet product. For the great amount of time that is spenteither not entertaining or entertaining less formally, a system forhiding the pet product usefully should be relatively decorative in theopen arrangement.

There have been articles designed to hide pet products under furniture.For example, the articles described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,830 and U.S.Pat. No. D481,496. These products have not provided an easy anddecorative mechanism of providing access to the pet products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a furniture combinationproviding an ornamental, work or seating surface and a selectivelyhidden cubby, the combination comprising: a piece of furniturecomprising four legs and a solid top surface supported by the legs, anarea under the top surface defining the cubby; a cover with a top andbottom surface comprising a top panel, two or more screen panelsattached to the top panel adapted to screen the cubby from three sides;and a retaining mechanism operating with one of the screen panels,comprising two or more tie pairs connected to the top and bottom of thecover and adapted to retain the respective screen panels in a rolled upposition, the separate pairs spaced apart to limit a tendency of therolled up screen panel to unroll.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of selectivelyhiding an object, the method comprising: placing the object in the cubbyof he furniture combination of claim 1; and retaining the door-alignedscreen panel in a rolled-up position as needed to allow use of theobject or extra light or air to reach the object. The object can be, forexample, an animal crate placed in the cubby with the crate door alignedwith a screen panel having a said retaining mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C show a furniture combination of the invention.

FIGS. 2A-2C show covers of embodiments of furniture combinations.

FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B and 6 show solid overlays for use in thefurniture combination.

FIG. 7 shows a furniture combination with holes to allow decorative useof ties.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The furniture combination is illustrated in assembled form in FIG. 1A,with a cover 10. Screen panel 1 is rolled up and secured by tiecombinations 11 and 12 (which, as described below, are composed of a topties 11 t and 12 t, and bottom ties 11 b and 12 b). Screen panel 2further screens, for example, dog crate 30 located in the cubby 22 (seeFIG. 1B). Not seen in this view are screen panels 3 and 4. Asillustrated, with screen panel 1 rolled up and secured crate door 31 canbe easily opened or closed, as illustrated by the arrow and the image indotted lines indicating an open position for the crate door. If screenpanel 3, located to the back an opposite screen panel 1, is rolled upand secured the crate 30 receives good ventilation. A pillow or otheranimal bed can be used in the crate, for example a cushion that is in amaterial that matches the material of top panel 5.

FIG. 1B shows the table 20 that supports the cover 20 (indicated indotted lines). The illustrated table legs 21 are ornamentally carved,but such ornamentation of elements that are often hidden is optional. Asillustrated, in many embodiments the legs are usefully slender toprovide room for the cubby 22. FIG. 1C corresponds to FIG. 1A, exceptscreen panel 1 is unrolled.

FIG. 2A shows the cover 10 laid out, top up, on a flat surface. Screenpanels 1-4 are conveniently sewn to top panel 5. In the illustratedembodiment there is a decorative fringe 6 sewn around top panel 5. Byhaving the screen panels joined (by sewing, continuous material orotherwise) the hang of the screen panels is aesthetically improved. Ties11 t and 12 t and optional ties 13 t and 14 t have (if present)corresponding bottom ties (comparable to ties 11 b′, 12 b′, 13 b′ and 14b′ in FIG. 2B). Optional fringe 6 can be, for example, of a materialmatching material of the ties, of an animal bed, or the like.

Such bottom ties are shown in FIG. 2B, where top panel 5′ (of anotherembodiment, cover 10′) and screen panels 1′, 2′ and 3′ are laid on aflat surface with the bottom of the cover oriented upwards. Screen panel4′ is shown suspended upwards to allow the drawing to better show theoptional fold 4 a′ around a corner of top panel 5′. The overlap createdby fold 4 a′ can help further obscure the animal product in the cubby.If an animal crate, the fold and resulting overlap can be adapted to beon the hinged side of the crate door, thereby minimally obstructing theopening and closing of the crate. The fold can be adapted to be on aside of the furniture combination that has more people traffic, therebybetter obscuring the animal product. The overlap distance OD,illustrated in FIG. 2C, can for example be 2 cm or more, 3 cm or more, 4cm or more, 5 cm or more, 6 cm or more, 7 cm or more, 8 cm or more, 9 cmor more, 10 cm or more, 11 cm or more, 12 cm or more, 13 cm or more, 14cm or more, 15 cm or more, 16 cm or more, or some other distanceselected as useful for obscuring while allowing access. Additionaloverlaps can be added.

FIG. 3 is comparable to FIG. 1C, but further illustrates a solid overlay40 adapted to be placed on top of top panel 5. The arrows indicate wherethe solid overlay 40 is moved to place it on the furniture combination.The solid overlay 40 can, for example, be glass, Plexiglass, wood (e.g.,butcher block, carved), or a cushion. Generally, the solid overlay isfound to be stably secured by friction. However, securing devices suchas Velcro, pins, pins held in place by cotter pins, bolts and the likecan be used. These devices can be hidden with plugs (e.g., that fillrecesses in the solid overlay in which the devices are employed) orother decorative devices. Where necessary, access holes can be locatedin the top panel 5 to allow securing connections between the table top25 and the solid overlay 40. Where securing connections are used two ormore are preferred to one. In options such as described below where thesolid overlay provides extendable side panels, the optional securingconnections can include connections on the side opposite the extension.

FIG. 4A shows a solid overlay 140 with an extendable panel 142 hingeablyfolded over main panel 141 via hinges 143. FIG. 4B shows the extendablepanel 142 in its extended position. FIG. 5A shows a solid overlay 240with an extendable panel 242 slideably engaged under main panel 241.FIG. 5B shows the extendable panel 242 in its extended position.Hardware for reinforcing the slideable connection can be used, and iswell known in the art.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, a solid overlay 340statically overhangs the rest of the furniture combination. The overhangprovided here, as in FIGS. 5 and 6, and the like can be used, forexample, to provide a desk work area with extra leg room.

Where a number in a given figure for a given embodiment is notindividually described, that number corresponds to element(s) identifiedby the same last two digits for another embodiment. Hence, element 320is a table as in the first illustrated embodiment (for table 20).

The furniture element of the combination can be any number of furniturepieces that support a solid top surface. Examples include stools (e.g.,ottoman), benches, tables (e.g, coffee table, side table, bed sidetable, dressing table), desks, and the like.

The item selectively hidden can be, for example, a pet product, whichmight be, for example, an animal crate or cage, animal bed, pet litter,or the like. The item need not fill the available room in the cubby.

In one embodiment, the height of the furniture component is within 80%of or greater than at least one of length or width of the cubby.

The ties can be woven fabric, other sheet-formed material or cord. Inone embodiment, the ties are tied together (preferably in a decorativemanner) to secure the rolled up screen panel. Of course, snaps, Velcro,buttons, clasps, and the like can be used to make the securing step morefacile. Such mechanism can include slidable clasps such as those used incamping equipment. In this case, the ties are long enough so that theslidable clasp is slide to the bottom to close (un-roll) the screenpanel. In this case also, the ties can be joined at the bottom ends.FIG. 7 shows an embodiment where cover 410 includes holes (in thisexample slits) 415 and 416, with ties 411 b and 412 b, respectively,drawn through the holes to seat next to corresponding ties 411 t and 412t. Located in this manner, ties 411 b and 411 t and 412 b and 412 t canbe decoratively tied or otherwise secured together.

The screening panels can be made of two or more layers of material. Thematerial (in one or more layers) can be stain or water resistant. Wheretwo or more layers are used with stain or water resistant material, suchmaterial should comprise the inner layer. The stain or water resistantmaterial can be of a polymer that is stain or water resistant, whichpolymer may be in a sheet or provide the thread of a woven fabric. Thematerial can be made stain or water resistant by application of anappropriate treating agent, such as Scotchguard™ Fabric Protector,Scotchguard™ Heavy Duty Water Repellant, Scotchguard™ Ultra WaterRepellant with Mildew Block (the foregoing from 3M Co., St. Paul,Minn.), Quiltgard™ (from Craftgard Co., St. George, Utah), and the like.

In some embodiments, at least the top surfaces of the panels adapted tobe visible to a guest are formed of a woven fabric, such as cotton,wool, silk, polyester, cotton blends and corduroy, Sunbrella fabrics(treated to be fade proof and stain resistant, from Glen Raven, Inc.,Glen Raven, N.C.), Nano-tex™ enhanced fabrics (treated to be stain,water and wrinkle resistant, from Nano-Tex, LLC, Greensboro, N.C.), andthe like.

Some exemplary size combinations include: Size Length Width HeightFurniture options Petite 23″ (58.4 cm), or 21″ (53.3 cm), or 18.5″ (47cm), or Stool, coffee table. ≦25″ (63.5 cm), or ≦23″ (58.4 cm), or ≦20″(50.8 cm), or Side table, bed side table ≦25″ (63.5 cm) ≦23″ (58.4 cm)≦28″ (71.1 cm) Extra 28″ (71.1 cm), or 26″ (66 cm), or 23.5″ (59.7 cm),or Bench, bed side table, Small ≦30″ (76.2 cm), or ≦28″ (71.1 cm), or≦25″ (63.5 cm), or side table ≦30″ (76.2 cm) ≦28″ (71.1 cm) ≦32″ (81.3cm) Desk, dressing table, butcher block Small 34″ (86.4 cm), or 29″(73.7 cm), or 26.5″ (67.3 cm), or Side table, bed side table ≦36″ (91.4cm), or ≦31″ (78.7 cm), or ≦28″ (71.1 cm), or Desk, dressing table, ≦36″(91.4 cm) ≦31″ (78.7 cm) ≦32″ (81.3 cm) butcher block Medium 40″ (101.6cm), or 32″ (81.3 cm), or 30.5″ (77.5 cm), or Desk, dressing table, ≦42″(106.7 cm) ≦34″ (86.4 cm) ≦32″ (81.3 cm) butcher block Large 46″ (116.8cm), or 36″ (91.4 cm), or 34.5″ (87.6 cm), or Desk, dressing table, 48″(121.9 cm) ≦38″ (96.5 cm) ≦36″ (91.4 cm) butcher block Petite 24″ (61cm), or — 18.5″ (47 cm), or Stool, coffee table, Round ≦26″ (66 cm) ≦20″(50.8 cm) ottoman Extra 29″ (73.7 cm), or — 23.5″ (59.7 cm), or Ottoman,bed side table, Small ≦31″ (78.7 cm) ≦25″ (63.5 cm) side table RoundDefinitions

The following terms shall have, for the purposes of this application,the respective meanings set forth below.

Adapted to Screen the Cubby from Three Sides

Many pieces of furniture are adapted to not often be seen from one side,thus the screening can be for people located in the 180° arc (“threesides”) away from such a side. By screening it is meant that theaesthetic impact of the pet product is significantly reduced, not thatclose visual inspection of the furniture combination might give noindication of the pet product.

Stain or Water Resistant

A stain or water resistant material is one that is easier to clean byresisting staining or by wiping down to markedly reduce the odor of bodyfluids that find their way to the material.

Publications and references, including but not limited to patents andpatent applications, cited in this specification are herein incorporatedby reference in their entirety in the entire portion cited as if eachindividual publication or reference were specifically and individuallyindicated to be incorporated by reference herein as being fully setforth. Any patent application to which this application claims priorityis also incorporated by reference herein in the manner described abovefor publications and references.

While this invention has been described with an emphasis upon preferredembodiments, it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the artthat variations in the preferred devices and methods may be used andthat it is intended that the invention may be practiced otherwise thanas specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includesall modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the claims that follow.

1. A furniture combination providing an ornamental, work or seatingsurface and a selectively hidden cubby, the combination comprising: apiece of furniture comprising four legs and a solid top surfacesupported by the legs, an area under the top surface defining the cubby;a cover with a top and bottom surface comprising a top panel, two ormore screen panels attached to the top panel adapted to screen the cubbyfrom three sides; and a retaining mechanism operating with one of thescreen panels, comprising two or more tie pairs connected to the top andbottom of the cover and adapted to retain the respective screen panelsin a rolled up position, the separate pairs spaced apart to limit atendency of the rolled up screen panel to unroll.
 2. The furniturecombination of claim 1, further comprising: a second such retainingmechanism operating with the screen panel opposite that of the firstretaining mechanism.
 2. The furniture combination of claim 2, whereinthe screen panels are adapted to screen the cubby from all sides.
 4. Thefurniture combination of claim 2, wherein, between the screen panelsoperating with the first and second retaining mechanisms, there is asaid screen panel without a retaining mechanism.
 5. The furniturecombination of claim 2, wherein, on each side between the screen panelsoperating with the first and second retaining mechanisms, there is asaid screen panels which is without a retaining mechanism.
 6. Thefurniture combination of claim 1, wherein the screening panels comprisean inner and outer fabric and the inner fabric is stain or waterresistant.
 7. The furniture combination of claim 1, further comprising:a solid overlay surface adapted to removably layer or connect on top ofthe top panel.
 8. The furniture combination of claim 7, wherein thesolid overlay surface is glass.
 9. The furniture combination of claim 7,wherein the solid overlay surface is Plexiglass.
 10. The furniturecombination of claim 7, wherein the solid overlay surface is wood. 11.The furniture combination of claim 7, wherein the solid overlay surfaceis a cushion.
 12. The furniture combination of claim 7, wherein thesolid overlay surface comprises an extendable panel adapted to extendoutwards of one of the screen panels.
 13. The furniture combination ofclaim 1, further comprising: holes in screen panels adapted to allow,when the respective screen panel is not rolled up, the respective bottomties to be passed through the slits and decoratively tied with theircorresponding upper ties.
 14. The furniture combination of claim 1,further comprising: a cushion adapted to support a pet and covered witha material matching a material of the top panel, or a screen panel, or atie.
 15. The furniture combination of claim 1, further comprising: trimmaterial around the edge of the top panel, the trim material matchingmaterial of the ties.
 16. The furniture combination of claim 1, wherein,given a first such screen panel that is adjacent to a second said screenpanel, said second screen panel operating with said tie pairs to securea retained position, the material of the first screen panel is securedto the top panel in a manner to create an overlap with the second screenpanel.
 17. The furniture combination of claim 1, wherein the screenpanels are adapted to screen the cubby from all sides.
 18. A method ofselectively hiding an object, the method comprising, placing the objectin the cubby of he furniture combination of claim 1; and retaining thedoor-aligned screen panel in a rolled-up position as needed to allow useof the object or extra light or air to reach the object.
 19. The methodof claim 18, wherein the object is an animal crate and the crate isplaced in the cubby with the crate door aligned with a screen panelhaving a said retaining mechanism.
 20. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising, a screen panel opposite the door aligned screen panel usinga second such retaining mechanism; and retaining the opposing screenpanel in a rolled-up position as needed to allow extra light orventilation for the crate.